Why Do Ponytails Cause Headaches?

We often hear that "beauty is pain," but should an everyday, regular 'ol hairstyle have to be such a sacrifice?

I love a high ponytail as much as the next girl. It's simple. It's quick. It's perfect for days you haven't washed your hair since god-knows-when. The one thing I can't stand about them, however, is the achey, throbbing feeling it leaves at the end of the day. Sometimes, it's barely midday and I could already feel the migraine-like discomfort creeping in, radiating across my scalp. I usually just ignore it and, like I do with most life decisions, think WWBD (What Would Beyoncé Do?), then push through.

Don't let the smile fool you: this looks painful!

Beyonce.com

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What is it about a ponytail that triggers a headache?

If anyone can answer that it's Dr. Denise E. Chou, neurologist and assistant professor of neurology at Columbia University Medical Center. She's specialized in treating headaches and got on the phone with me to explain the mystery behind the ponytail pain.

Oftentimes, those who experience headaches while wearing a ponytail are already migraine-prone. "Patients don't realize they have a migraine because it's often undiagnosed. It affects about 12 percent of the population and roughly about 18 percent of women," she says. The disorder leads to sensory hypersensitivity making the nerves around the face and scalp super sensitive at baseline.

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That phenomenon is called cutaneous allodynia–the perception of pain due to an otherwise non-painful stimulus.

"When you put your hair in a tight bun or ponytail, or a weave or extensions, that will pull the nerves in the scalp. That pulling of the nerves will activate the sensory nerves even more," Chou continues, "That can result in the headache itself, or it could be that the headache is beginning."

That phenomenon is called cutaneous allodynia–the perception of pain due to an otherwise non-painful stimulus. "Putting your hair up shouldn't be painful. But it can be perceived as painful during a migraine attack," Chou says. Even if you don't frequently experience migraines, anyone can be susceptible to ponytail pain caused by "the physical strain, tension, or compression activating those nerves' sensory endings," Chou explains.

The super tight, high ponytail is a red carpet favorite.

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Definitely don't start popping Advil every time you feel the headache coming on. "You could get something called 'rebound headaches' or 'medication overuse headaches,'" Chou warns. "If you're using these acute over the counter medications to abort headaches 10 or more days a month, that can cause headaches to get worse by increasing the pain receptors."

Treatments vary from patient to patient, but Chou says she's seen promising data for migraine and headache relief via supplements like Riboflavin/vitamin B2, magnesium, and herbal options like Butterbur and Feverfew, all of which "stabilize the hypersensitivity of the brain." Of course, you should definitely consult with your doctor before starting any new regimen.

The easiest remedy Chou suggests is simply relaxing your hairstyle–avoiding tight buns, ponytails, headbands, anything that constricts the scalp. If you do choose to wear those styles, don't pull an Ariana Grande and wear it every single day.

"I like to have a looser hair style, personally," Chou tells me, "I don't like to have that tight feeling. It's uncomfortable. It's distracting to me! I like a loose bun." You know what they say–doctor knows best.